Five UHAS doctoral researchers represented Ghana at the Imperial–AIMS Global Fellows Programme 2026, developing climate and public health solutions for urban heat challenges.

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Five doctoral researchers from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) have represented the institution at the prestigious Imperial–AIMS Global Fellows Programme 2026, where they joined researchers from Africa and the United Kingdom to develop solutions to climate-related health challenges.

The programme was held from 1st to 5th June 2026 at the Accra Institute for Mathematics and Sciences in Accra.

The initiative brought together emerging researchers to explore innovative approaches to addressing the impact of climate change on urban populations, particularly the growing challenge of extreme heat in cities.

UHAS Doctoral Researchers Join Global Research Initiative

The Imperial–AIMS Global Fellows Programme is jointly organised by the  Imperial College London Early Career Researcher Institute and AIMS Ghana.

The 2026 edition focused on the theme “Addressing Heat-Driven Consequences of Climate Change in Cities.”

The theme reflects growing global concern about the relationship between climate change, urban environments, and public health outcomes.

The programme aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 11, and 13, which focus on good health and wellbeing, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.

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 Five UHAS PhD Researchers Represent Institution

The UHAS delegation comprised five doctoral researchers who participated in interdisciplinary teams alongside other fellows from across Africa and the United Kingdom.

The researchers included:

• Gloria Odoom
• Rita Ama Narlyn Wurapa
• Patience Omoh Krakani
• Rejoice Appati-Gyima
• Leonard Kyei

Each participant joined a different team consisting of approximately eight fellows tasked with developing practical responses to urban heat challenges.

The teams combined expertise from different fields to examine how cities can better protect vulnerable populations from the health effects of rising temperatures.

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Fellows Develop Innovative Solutions to Urban Heat Challenges

A major component of the programme was the Accelerator Project, where fellows developed innovative proposals aimed at reducing the effects of extreme urban heat.

Activities during the programme included expert presentations, research discussions, policy engagement sessions, and visits to the .

The engagement allowed researchers to understand practical urban challenges and connect scientific research with policy decision-making.

The programme also included cultural activities designed to strengthen collaboration among participants from different backgrounds.

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UHAS-Affiliated Teams Receive Top Recognition

The research teams involving UHAS participants achieved notable success during the programme.

Group 3 received the judges’ top prize for developing a cool shield and cooling wristband concept designed to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat exposure.

Group 4 received the audience favourite award for proposing a mini-forest urban cooling initiative aimed at improving urban environments through nature-based solutions.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly indicated that lessons and ideas from the projects would contribute to future urban heat-response planning.

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UHAS Commends Researchers for Global Achievement

The Dean of the UHAS School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Martin Ayanore, praised the researchers for representing the university on an international platform.

He noted that the participation demonstrates UHAS’ commitment to developing globally competitive researchers capable of addressing complex health and societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

The achievement further strengthens the university’s position as a growing research-focused institution in Ghana and Africa.

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 EducationGhana Analysis

The participation of UHAS researchers in international programmes such as the Imperial–AIMS Global Fellows Programme highlights the increasing role of Ghanaian universities in addressing global challenges.

Modern research increasingly requires collaboration across disciplines, particularly in areas such as climate change, health, technology, and urban development.

For Ghanaian higher education institutions, investment in doctoral training and international partnerships remains essential for building research capacity and producing solutions that respond to national and global needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Imperial–AIMS Global Fellows Programme?

It is a research capacity-building programme that brings together early-career researchers from Africa and the UK to develop solutions to global challenges.

Which Ghanaian university participated in the 2026 programme?

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) participated through five doctoral researchers.

What was the 2026 programme theme?

The theme focused on addressing heat-driven consequences of climate change in cities.

Why is interdisciplinary research important?

Interdisciplinary research combines knowledge from different fields to solve complex problems that cannot be addressed through a single discipline.

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 Source: University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS)

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